Iowa Gov. Reynolds’ update on husband’s lung cancer: ‘We’re very optimistic’

DES MOINES — Iowa first gentleman Kevin Reynolds has experienced pain relief from radiation treatment for the lung cancer he was diagnosed with last month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Wednesday.

Radiation treatment has alleviated the pain in the his spine, and he also is taking an oral immune therapy drug to treat the tumor, Gov. Reynolds told reporters Wednesday during a news conference. She said the hope is that the immune therapy drug, which she called a new, “breakthrough” drug, will be effective so her husband will not have to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

“We’re just taking it one step at a time, but he’s doing well. We’re very optimistic about the outcome,” she said.

Kevin Reynolds is being treated at UnityPoint Health’s John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines, the governor said. She praised the medical team there and became emotional when thanking Iowans who have expressed support for her husband.

“I also just want to say just a heartfelt thanks to Iowans who, every day we get two or three cards in the mail to say that, ‘We’re praying for you,” Gov. Reynolds said. “It’s just another reflection of Iowans and who we are. And it matters and it makes a difference. So a heartfelt thank you for that.”

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